Composite configurable system to support solar panels on geomembrane

ABSTRACT

A support system for a support structure utilizes polymer support members and a flexible pliable polymer cover. The cover includes a plurality of upwardly extending anchor units. The support members each include a plurality of apertures each shaped and dimensioned to receive an anchor unit. The cover is placed on a landfill. The support members are each placed on a plurality of anchor units. Each aperture in a support member receives an anchor unit. The support member is thermally welded to the cover.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/694,224 filed Nov. 8, 2012 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/800,510 filed May 17, 2010.

This invention pertains to the disposition of solar panels.

Solar panels have for many years been mounted on roof tops and various other locations. A long existing motivation in connection with solar panels has been to improve systems used to mount the panels.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved system to mount solar panels.

This, and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a solar panel system installed according to the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of portions of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 illustrating construction details thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of portions of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 illustrating construction details thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of portions of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 illustrating construction details thereof;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate fixation system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a potion of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 illustrating still another alternate fixation system;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective upper view illustrating a support member utilized in an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective lower view further illustrating construction details of the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view further illustrating the support member of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view illustrating a support member utilized in an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the support member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view illustrating a polymer cover utilized in conjunction with the support member of FIG. 10 in an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side partial section view illustrating the mode of operation of the support member of FIG. 10 and the polymer cover of FIG. 12; and,

FIG. 14 is a perspective partial section view further illustrating the mode of operation of the support member of FIG. 10 and the polymer cover of FIG. 12 in conjunction with a land fill.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide an improved method to install solar panels over a landfill having an upper surface to compensate for expansion and contraction and improve shedding of rain water and wind resistance. The method includes the step of providing at least one orthogonal solar panel. The panel has a pair of opposing substantially parallel spaced apart side edges; a top edge normal to the side edges; and, a bottom edge spaced apart and substantially parallel to the top edge and normal to said side edges.

The method also includes the steps of providing a flexible polymer cover; providing at least first and second elongate polymer support members each having a first end, a second end, a middle section intermediate the first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis; and providing at least first and second elongate metal rails. Each rail includes a longitudinal axis; a top extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a side substantially normal to the top and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a first channel extending inwardly from the top in a first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a first capture flange (22A, 22B); and, a second channel extending inwardly from the side in a second direction normal to the first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a second capture flange (20A, 20B).

The method also includes the step of providing at least a first clip to secure the solar panel to the first metal rail. The clip includes an upper portion shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom edge of the solar panel and maintain a portion of the solar panel adjacent the first metal rail; and, includes a first connector member to extend into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in a third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the first channel of the first rail by the first capture flange of the first rail such that the connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the top of the first rail.

The method also includes the step of providing at least a first anchor member to secure the first rail to the polymer support member. The first anchor member includes an attachment system to secure slidably the first anchor member to the polymer support member; and, includes a second connector member to extend into the second channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in the third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the second channel of the first rail by the second capture flange of the first rail such that the connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the side of the first rail.

The method also includes the steps of installing the polymer cover on the upper surface of the landfill; and, fixedly attaching the first and second ends of each of the first and second polymer support members to the polymer cover such that the first and second support members are in spaced apart parallel relationship, and such that the intermediate section is not secured to the polymer cover such that the polymer cover is free to expand and contract beneath, independently of, and separately from the intermediate section.

The method also includes the step of slidably attaching with the first anchor member the first rail to the first end of the first polymer support member such that the second connection system slidably secures the first anchor member to the first end of the polymer support member; such that the third connector member slidably extends into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in the third direction; and, such that the first rail extends from the first end of the first polymer support member to the first end of the second polymer support member.

The method also includes the steps of attaching the second rail to the second ends of the first and second polymer support members such that the second rail is substantially parallel to the first rail and is normal to the longitudinal axes of the first and second polymer support members; placing the solar panel on top of and spanning the distance between the first and second parallel rails; slidably securing with the first clip the solar panel to the first rail such that the upper portion of the first clip engages the bottom edge of the solar panel, and such that the first connector member extends into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong. The sliding movement of the first anchor member with respect to the polymer support member, of the third connector member with respect to the first channel of the first rail, and of the first connector member with respect to the first channel of the first rail, coupled with the polymer cover freely expanding and contracting beneath, independently of, and separately from the intermediate section, compensates for polymer expanding and contraction and minimizing the likelihood of damage to the solar panel, the polymer cover, the polymer support members, and the rails.

In another embodiment of the invention, provided is an improved method to install solar panels over a landfill having an upper surface and a support structure to compensate for expansion and contraction and improve shedding of rain water. The method includes the step of providing at least one orthogonal solar panel. The panel has a pair of opposing substantially parallel spaced apart side edges; a top edge normal to the side edges; and, a bottom edge spaced apart and substantially parallel to the top edge and normal to the side edges.

The method also includes the steps of providing a flexible polymer cover; and, providing at least first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members. Each of the polymer support members has a first end; a second end; a middle section intermediate the first and second ends; a base; a skirt thermally bonded to the base; at least a first fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend downwardly through the polymer support member and the cover into the support structure; and, at least a second fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend upwardly through and outwardly from the polymer support member.

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least first and second elongate metal rails each having a coefficient of expansion less than that of the polymer support members and including a longitudinal axis; a top extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a side substantially normal to the top and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a first channel extending inwardly from said top in a first direction, parallel to said longitudinal axis, and including at least a first capture flange (22A, 22B); and, a second channel extending inwardly from the side in a second direction normal to the first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a second capture flange (20A, 20B).

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first clip to secure the solar panel to the first metal rail. The clip includes an upper portion shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom edge of the solar panel and maintain a portion of the solar panel adjacent the first metal rail; and, a first connector member to extend loosely into the first channel of the first rail for free sliding movement therealong in a third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the first channel of the first rail by the first capture flange of the first rail such that the connector member is free to move with respect to the first rail and can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the top of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first anchor member to secure the first rail to the polymer support member. The first anchor member includes an attachment system to engage the second fastener and secure freely slidably the first anchor member to the polymer support member such that the first rail is free to move with respect to the polymer support member, and, includes a second connector member to extend loosely into the second channel of the first rail for free sliding movement therealong in the third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the second channel of the first rail by the second capture flange of the first rail such that the first rail is free to move with respect to the second connector member and the second connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the side of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the steps of installing the polymer cover on the upper surface of the landfill; and, fixedly mounting the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members on the polymer cover. The polymer support members are mounted on the polymer cover such that the first fastener of each of the polymer support members extends through the polymer cover into the support structure; the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support are in spaced apart parallel relationship; and, the skirt of each of the polymer support members is thermally welded to the polymer cover.

The improved method also includes the step of slidably attaching with the first anchor member the first rail to the first polymer support member such that the second connection system freely slidably loosely secures the first anchor member to the first fastener of the first polymer support member, such that the second connector member loosely slidably extends into the first channel of the first rail for free sliding movement therealong in the third direction; and, such that the first rail extends from the first polymer support member to the second polymer support member.

The improved method also includes the steps of attaching the second rail to the third and fourth polymer support members such that the second rail is substantially parallel to the first rail; placing the solar panel on top of and spanning the distance between said first and second parallel rails; and, slidably securing with the first clip the solar panel to the first rail. The clip secures the solar panel to the first rail such that the upper portion of the first clip engages the bottom edge of the solar panel, and the first connector member loosely extends into the first channel of the first rail for free sliding movement therealong. The free sliding movement of the first anchor member with respect to the polymer support member, of the second connector member with respect to the second channel of the first rail, and of the first connector member with respect to the first channel of the first rail, along with the polymer cover freely expanding and contracting between the first, second, third, and fourth polymer supports members, compensates for the expansion and contraction of the polymer by permitting the first rail, the first connector, and the second connector to slidably freely adjustably move and, consequently, minimizes the likelihood of damage to the solar panel, the polymer cover, the polymer support members, and the rails.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provided is an improved method to install solar panels over a landfill having an upper surface and a support structure to compensate for expansion and contraction and improve shedding of rain water. The improved method includes the step of providing at least one orthogonal solar panel having a pair of opposing substantially parallel spaced apart side edges; a top edge normal to the side edges; and, a bottom edge spaced apart and substantially parallel to the top edge and normal to the side edges.

The improved method also includes the steps of providing a flexible polymer cover; and, providing at least first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members. Each of the support members has a first end; a second end; a middle section intermediate the first and second ends; a base; a skirt thermally bonded to the base; at least a first fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend downwardly through the polymer support member and the cover into the support structure; and, at least a second fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend upwardly through and outwardly from the polymer support member.

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least first and second elongate metal rails each having a coefficient of expansion less than that of the polymer support members and including a longitudinal axis; including a top extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; including a side substantially normal to the top and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; a first channel extending inwardly from the top in a first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a first capture flange (22A, 22B); and, a second channel extending inwardly from the side in a second direction normal to the first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a second capture flange (20A, 20B).

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first clip to secure the solar panel to the first metal rail and including an upper portion shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom edge of the solar panel and maintain a portion of the solar panel adjacent the first metal rail; and, including a first connector member to extend into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in a third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the first channel of the first rail by the first capture flange of the first rail such that the connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the top of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first anchor member to secure the first rail to the polymer support member and including an attachment system to engage the second fastener and secure the first anchor member to the polymer support, and including a second connector member to extend into the second channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in the third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the second channel of the first rail by the second capture flange of the first rail such that the second connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the side of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the steps of installing said polymer cover on the upper surface of the landfill; and, fixedly mounting the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members on said polymer cover such that the first fastener of each of the polymer support members extends through the polymer cover into the support structure, such that the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members are in spaced apart parallel relationship, and such that the skirt of each of said polymer support members is thermally welded to the polymer cover.

The improved method also includes the step of slidably attaching with the first anchor member the first rail to the first polymer support member such that the second connection system secures the first anchor member to the first fastener of the first polymer support member, such that the third connector member slidably extends into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong in the third direction, and, such that the first rail extends from the first polymer support member to the second polymer support member.

The improved method also includes the steps of attaching the second rail to the third and fourth polymer support members such that the second rail is substantially parallel to the first rail, of placing the solar panel on top of and spanning the distance between the first and second parallel rails, and of slidably securing with the first clip the solar panel to the first rail. The solar panel is secured to the first rail such that the upper portion of the first clip engages the bottom edge of the solar panel, and the first connector member extends into the first channel of the first rail for sliding movement therealong.

In still another embodiment of the invention, provided is an improved method to install solar panels over a landfill having an upper surface and a support structure to compensate for expansion and contraction and to improve shedding of rain water. The method the step of providing at least one orthogonal solar panel having a pair of opposing substantially parallel spaced apart side edges, having a top edge normal to the side edges, and having a bottom edge spaced apart and substantially parallel to the top edge and normal to the side edges.

The improved method also includes the steps of providing a flexible polymer cover; providing at least first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members each having a first end, a second end, a middle section intermediate said first and second ends; and, of providing at least first and second elongate metal rails. Each metal rail has a coefficient of expansion less than that of the polymer support members and includes a longitudinal axis; includes a top extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; includes a side substantially normal to the top and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; includes a first channel extending inwardly from the top in a first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis; and including at least a first capture flange (22A, 22B); and, includes a second channel extending inwardly from the side in a second direction normal to the first direction, parallel to the longitudinal axis, and including at least a second capture flange (20A, 20B).

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first clip to secure loosely the solar panel to said first metal rail. The first clip includes an upper portion shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom edge of the solar panel and maintain a portion of the solar panel adjacent the first metal rail; and, includes a first connector member to extend loosely into said first channel of the first rail for free loose sliding movement therealong in a third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the first channel of the first rail by the first capture flange of the first rail such that the connector member is free to move with respect to the first rail and can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the top of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the step of providing at least a first anchor member to secure the first rail to the polymer support member. The first anchor member includes an attachment system to engage the second fastener and secure freely slidably loosely the first anchor member to the polymer support member such that the first rail is free to move with respect to the polymer support member; and, includes a second connector member to extend loosely into the second channel of the first rail for free loose sliding movement therealong in the third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the top of the first rail and shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the second channel of the first rail by the second capture flange of the first rail such that the first rail is free to move with respect to the second connector member and the second connector member can not be removed from the first channel of the first rail in a direction normal to the side of the first rail.

The improved method also includes the steps of installing the polymer cover on the upper surface of the landfill; fixedly mounting the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members on the polymer cover such that the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members are in spaced apart parallel relationship; and, slidably attaching with the first anchor member the first rail to the first polymer support member. The first rail is attached to the first polymer support member such that the second connection system freely slidably secures the first anchor member to the first polymer support member; such that the second connector member slidably loosely extends into the first channel of the first rail for free sliding movement therealong in the third direction; and, such that the first rail extends from the first polymer support member to the second polymer support member.

The improved method also includes the steps of attaching the second rail to the third and fourth polymer support members such that the second rail is substantially parallel to the first rail; placing the solar panel on top of and spanning the distance between the first and second parallel rails; and, slidably securing with the first clip the solar panel to the first rail such that the upper portion of said first clip engages the bottom edge of the solar panel, and such that the first connector member loosely extends into the first channel of the first rail for free loose sliding movement therealong. The free loose sliding movement of the first anchor member with respect to the polymer support member; of the second connector member with respect to the second channel of the first rail; and, of the first connector member with respect to the first channel of the first rail, along with the polymer cover freely expanding and contracting between the first, second, third, and fourth polymer supports members, compensating for the expansion and contraction of the polymer cover by permitting the first rail, the first connector, and the second connector to slidably freely loosely move and, consequently, minimizing the likelihood of damage to the solar panel, the polymer cover, the polymer support members, and the rails.

In another embodiment of the invention, provided is a method to install a mounting system on a support structure. The method includes the step of providing at least first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members. Each of the support members has a first end; a second end; a middle section intermediate the first and second ends; a base; a skirt thermally bonded to the base; at least a first fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend downwardly through the polymer support member and the cover into the support structure. The first fastener includes a head recessed in the polymer support member. Each of the support members has a thin polymer panel member sealingly covering the head of the first fastener; and, at least a second fastener shaped and dimensioned to extend upwardly through and outwardly from the polymer support member. The method also includes the step of fixedly mounting the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members on the polymer cover such that the first fastener of each of the polymer support members extends through the polymer cover into the support structure; such that the first, second, third, and fourth polymer support members are in spaced apart relationship; and, such that the skirt of each of the polymer support members is thermally welded to the polymer cover.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provided is an improved method to mount a structure on a landfill and to compensate for changes in the surface contour in the landfill. The method includes the steps of providing a support structure to be mounted on a landfill; providing a flexible polymer cover including a field of spaced apart, upwardly extending anchor units, the field of anchor units comprising at least 25% of the area covered by the cover; and, providing a plurality of substantially rigid polymer support members each having a first end, a second end, a middle section intermediate the first and second ends, a base, and a plurality of apertures formed in each of the support members, each of the apertures being shaped and dimensioned to receive and conform to one of the anchor units, the apertures having a spacing equivalent to the spacing of the field of anchor units. The support members are comprised of a polymer material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is within 15% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polymer material comprising the cover. The method also includes the steps of installing the polymer cover on the upper surface of the landfill; seating the support members on the anchor units on the cover at spaced apart locations on the cover; and, thermally welding the seated support members to the cover; and, mounting the support structure on the support members.

Turning now to the drawings, which depict the presently preferred embodiments of the invention for the purpose of illustrating the practice thereof and not by way of limitation of the scope of the invention, and in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a solar panel system including a pliable polymer liner 10 covering a landfill (not shown) or other ground area or structure. While the shape and dimension of a solar panel can vary as desired, in FIG. 1 one or more orthogonal solar panels 14 are supported on a framework that includes at least a pair of spaced-apart parallel metal rails 16 and 17 and a plurality of spaced apart elongate polymer support members 11 each having a first end 12 and a second end 13. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, structures other than solar panels and rails 16, 17 can be mounted on and supported by members 11.

Each solar panel includes a pair of opposing substantially parallel spaced apart side edges 14A, 14B, a top edge 14D, and a bottom edge 14C.

Each elongate polymer support member 11 includes a first end 12, a second end 13, a middle section intermediate said first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis extending through said middle section and each end 12, 13.

Each rail 16, 17 includes a longitudinal axis, a top extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a side substantially normal to said top and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first channel 22, and a second channel 20. First channel 22 extends inwardly from the top in a first direction, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, and includes at least a first capture flange 22A, 22B (FIG. 4). Second channel 20 extends inwardly from the side in a second direction at an angle to said first direction, extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and the first channel 22, and includes at least a second capture flange 20A, 20B (FIG. 4).

Clips 18 secure each solar panel 14 to rails 16 and 17. One clip 18 secures bottom edge 14C to rail 17. A second clip 18 secures bottom edge 14C to rail 16. A third clip 18 secures top edge 14D to rail 17. A fourth clip 18 secures top edge 14D to rail 16. A clip 18 includes an upper portion 18A shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom 14C or top 14D edge of a panel 14. Clip 18 also includes a connector member 23 (FIGS. 3, 4) that links clip 18 with rail 17 and extends into the first channel 22 of a rail for sliding movement therealong in a third direction B that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail and to the top of the rail and that is shaped and dimensioned to be retained in the first channel 22 of the rail by the capture flanges 22A and 22B such that connector member 23 can not be removed from channel 22 in a direction normal to the top of the rail. In other words, connector member 23 includes a head 23A (FIG. 3) comparable to head 21 of connector member 34. Head 21 is slidably received by channel 20 by inserting head 21 into channel 20 at one end of a rail 16, 17 and by sliding head 21 along channel 20. Head 21 is large enough to extend behind capture flanges 20A and 20B and can not therefore be pulled outwardly from channel 20 in a direction that is, in FIG. 3, parallel to the longitudinal axis of member 11 and normal to the longitudinal axis of rail 17. Capture flanges 20A and 20B retain head 21 in channel 20 but do not prevent head 21 from sliding freely along channel 20 limited distances in opposing directions each parallel to the longitudinal axis of rail 17. In another embodiment of the invention, head 21 is mounted in rail 17 such that the head 23A of member 21 is tightly held against capture flanges 20A and 20B and can not slide along channel 20. A stop(s) (not shown) can be installed in channel 20 to restrict the sliding movement of head 21 along channel 20.

The head 23A (FIG. 3) on member 23 similarly can slide freely along channel 22 (FIG. 4) limited distances in opposing directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of a rail 16, 17, but capture flanges 22A and 22B retain the head 23A of member 23 in channel 22 and prevent the head from being pulled from channel 22 in a direction that is normal in FIG. 3 both to cover 10 and to the longitudinal axis of member 11. In another embodiment of the invention, member 23 is mounted on clip 18 such that the head 23A of member 23 is tightly held against capture flanges 22A and 22B and can not slide along channel 22. A stop(s) (not shown) can be installed in channel 22 to restrict the sliding movement of head 23A along channel 22.

L-shaped anchor member 15 includes a connection system to secure slidably the member 15 to one end 12 of member 11. Although the construct of the anchor member 15 and of the connection or linkage system used with member 15 can vary as desired, the connection system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 comprises a bolt 30 including a leg 33 which turns into an internally threaded aperture 32 (FIG. 3) formed in an end 12, 13 of a member 11. The bottom leg of L-shaped anchor member 15 includes an elongate ovate opening 31 (FIG. 3) formed therethrough so that once bolt 30 is installed to link and secure loosely member 15 to end 12, ovate opening 31 permits the bottom leg of member 15 to slide freely loosely back and forth about leg 33 of bolt 30 in directions indicated by arrows D (FIG. 2), which directions are parallel to the longitudinal axis of member 11 and normal to the longitudinal axis of rails 16 and 17. Ovate opening 31 does, however, restrict the extent of such movement. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, bolt 30 is tightly inserted in an aperture 32 such that the bottom leg of member 15 is tightly secured to an end 12, 13 and cannot slide back and forth about leg 33 of bolt 30.

Anchor member 15 also includes a connector member 34 which extends through an opening formed through the upright leg of L-shaped anchor member 15 and extends into channel 20. Member 34 includes, as noted, head 21 (FIGS. 2, 4). An externally threaded leg extends outwardly from head 21 and through the upstanding leg of member 15 and is secured by an internally threaded nut 35 (FIG. 4) that is turned onto the externally threaded leg extending from head 21. Head 21 is slidably received by channel 20 by inserting head 21 into channel 20 at one end of a rail 16, 17 and by sliding head 21 along channel 20. In another embodiment of the invention, nut 35 is tightly turned onto the externally threaded leg of member 34 so that head 21 is fixed in and can not slide along channel 22. In this embodiment of the invention, head 21 is tightly pulled against capture flanges 20A and 20B when nut 35 is tightened.

A linear array of solar panels 14 can be arranged side-by-side each centered on a common longitudinal axis that is parallel to the ground and to the face of each panel. In another embodiment of the invention, multiple linear arrangements of solar panels are utilized with each linear arrangement radiating from a central point like the spokes on a wheel. The shape and dimension of a member 11 or rail 16, 17 can vary as desired.

In use, a plurality of members 11 are attached to a pliable polymer cover 10 that contacts and extends over the surface of a landfill or other desired location or object or structure. Members 11 are parallel and are spaced apart a selected distance that typically is less than the length of each rail 16, 17. Each member 11 can be secured to cover 10 along the entire length of member 11, but it is presently preferred that only the ends 12, 13 are attached with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. When only the ends 12, 13 are attached, the portion of each member 11 that is intermediate the ends is free to slide over cover 10 (or vice-versa) when member 11 expands and contracts as the result of variations in the ambient temperature. Thermoplastic materials which can be utilized in the manufacture of member 11 or of cover 10 can exhibit a relatively high tendency to expand and contract when subjected to a temperature change; as much as about ten times that which is exhibited by metals.

A bolt 30 (FIGS. 2, 4) is turned through slot 31 (FIG. 3) into an aperture in end 12 of a first member 11 to connect a first anchor member 15 to the end 12. A second bolt 30 is turned through a slot 31 in the second anchor member and into an aperture in end 12 of a second member 11 to connect a second anchor member 15 to the end 12. See FIGS. 2 and 3. Additional bolts 30 can, if desired, be utilized to connect additional members 15 to the ends 12, 13 of additional members 11.

A third bolt 30 is turned into an aperture 32 in end 13 of the first member 11 to connect a third anchor member to the end 13 of the first member 11. A fourth bolt 30 is turned into an aperture 32 in end 13 of the second member 11 to connect a fourth anchor member 15 to end 13 of the second member 11. Additional bolts 30 can, if desired, be utilized to connect additional anchor members 15 to the ends 13 of additional members 11.

A first connector member 34 is utilized to connect the first anchor member 15 to rail 17. The first connector member extends through the upright leg of L-shaped anchor member 15 and into channel 20 of rail 17. Member 34 includes head 21 (FIGS. 2, 4). An externally threaded leg extends outwardly from head 21 and through the upstanding leg of member 15 and is secured by a nut 35 (FIG. 4). Nut 35 is tightened sufficiently to secure member 15 to rail 17 while permitting head 21 to freely slide along channel 20 in directions indicated by arrows A in FIG. 2.

A second connector member 34 is utilized to connect the second anchor member 15 to rail 17. The second connector member 34 extends through the upright leg of L-shaped anchor member 15 and into channel 20 of rail 17. The second connector member 34 includes head 21 (FIGS. 2, 4). An externally threaded leg extends outwardly from head 21 and through the upstanding leg of second member 15 and is secured by a nut 35 (FIG. 4). Nut 35 is tightened sufficiently to secure the second member 15 to rail 17 while permitting head 21 to freely slide along channel 20 in directions indicated by arrows A in FIG. 2.

A third connector member 34 is utilized to connect the third anchor member 15 to rail 16. The third connector member 34 extends through the upright leg of the L-shaped third anchor member 15 and into channel 20 of rail 16. Member 34 includes head 21 (FIGS. 2, 4). An externally threaded leg extends outwardly from head 21 and through the upstanding leg of third member 15 and is secured by a nut 35 (FIG. 4). Nut 35 is tightened sufficiently to secure third member 15 to rail 16 while permitting head 21 to freely slide along channel 20 of rail 16 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of rail 16.

A fourth connector member 34 is utilized to connect the fourth anchor member 15 to rail 16. The fourth connector member 34 extends through the upright leg of the L-shaped fourth anchor member 15 and into channel 20 of rail 16. Member 34 includes head 21 (FIGS. 2, 4). An externally thread leg extends outwardly from head 21 and through the upstanding leg of fourth member 15 and is secured by a nut 35 (FIG. 4). Nut 35 is tightened sufficiently to secure fourth member to rail 16 while permitting head 21 to freely slide along channel 20 of rail 16 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis of rail 16.

After the first, second, third, and fourth anchor members 15 are secured to members 11 and to rails 16 and 17 in the manner noted above, rails 16 and 17 have been mounted on members 11 in parallel relationship in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

An orthogonal solar panel 14 is set on top of rails 16 and 17 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1 such that the top 14D and bottom 14C are substantially normal to the longitudinal axes of rails 16 and 17 and such that the sides 14A and 14B are each substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of rails 16 and 17.

A first clip 18 is used to secure the bottom edge 14C of panel 14 to rail 17. A second clip 18 is used to secure the bottom edge 14C of panel 14 to rail 16. A third clip 18 is used to secure the top edge 14D of panel 14 to rail 17. A fourth clip 18 is used to secure the top edge 14D of panel 14 to rail 16. Each clip 18 includes a connector member 23 and includes an upper portion 18A. Portion 18A is shaped and dimensioned to engage the bottom 14C or top 14D edge of a panel 14. Each clip 18 is connected to a rail 16, 17 such that the clip functions to hold panel 14 snugly against the top of rails 16 and 17 but also permits connector member 23 (FIGS. 3, 4) to slide along the channel 22 formed in the top of the rail. As earlier noted, the connector includes a head 23A, similar to head 21, that is shaped and dimensioned to be retained in channel 22 of the rail by the capture flanges 20A and 20B such that connector member 23 can not be removed from channel 22 in a direction normal to the top of the rail.

Stops 50 can be inserted in rails 16, 17 at the ends of channels 20 and 22 to prevent head 21 and member 23 from sliding out the ends of rails 16, 17.

In one particular presently preferred embodiment of the invention described above, the intermediate portion of member 11 is not adhered to cover 10, anchor member 15 can freely loosely slide with respect to member 11 (i.e., member 15 is not fixed in one set position with respect to member 11), head 21 can freely loosely slide along channel 20 (i.e., head 21 is not fixed in one set position in channel 20), and member 23 can freely loosely slide along channel 22 (i.e., member 23 is not fixed in one set position in channel 22). Such a “loose” fitting construction is important because it helps compensate for the expansion and contraction of the support structure with changes in ambient temperature.

The spacing between members 11, along with not attaching the intermediate section of each member 11 to cover 10, reduces the risk that expansion and contraction of system components will damage cover 10 or panels 14.

Polymer members 11 preferably are not attached to cover 10 with fasteners that penetrate cover 10.

If desired, rails 16 and 17 can be fabricated from a polymer material. A metal is, however, preferred in the construction of rails 16 and 17 because of its lower coefficients of expansion. Pliable polymer cover 10 can, by way of example and not limitation, be fabricated from high density polyethylene, TPO. Polypropylene, EPDM, etc.

While the height, indicated by arrows J and H, respectively, of cylindrical members, or “pucks”, 12A and 12B comprising an end 12 can vary as desired, such height for each member 12A and 12B is presently one inch and serves to space panels 14 above liner 10. Such spacing is important because it permit breeze or wind to flow beneath panels 14 in the manner indicated by arrow F in FIG. 1, to flow intermediate panels 14 and liner 10, and to flow out form beneath panels 14 in the manner indicated by arrow G in FIG. 1. The parallel configuration of members 11 further facilitates such air flow when the direction of the breeze or wind is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of members 11.

Specially constructed fixation systems can be utilized to improve the strength of the mounting system of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates one such system in which bolt 30 is not utilized to affix bracket 15 to end 12. Instead, a member 40 is, during the molding of end 12 (and/or 13), molded into end 12 (or 13) in the manner indicated in FIG. 5. Head or flange 41 and cylindrical neck 42 are molded into end 12 such that externally threaded end 43 of member 40 extends outwardly away from end 12. When bracket 15 is affixed to end 12, end 43 extends upwardly through slot 31 and internally threaded nut 44 is turned onto externally threaded end 43 to secure bracket 15 on end 12. The construction of FIG. 5 is presently preferred in the practice of the invention because initial testing of that kind pf construction indicates it can withstand an upward force E (FIG. 1) of up to 4000 pounds. Such strength is important in improving the wind resistance of the solar panel support system of the invention.

Another system which can be utilized to improve the strength of the mounting system of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6 and includes a member 50 which is molded into end 12 in the manner indicated in FIG. 6. Head or flange 53 and cylindrical neck 52 are molded into end 12 (and/or 13) such that internally threaded aperture 51 is accessible from the top of end 12. During fixation of bracket 15 to end 12, externally threaded leg of bolt 30 extends through slot 31 and is turned into aperture 51. This construction is advantageous because initial testing of that kind of the construction indicates it can withstand an upward force E (FIG. 1) of up to about 2000 pounds.

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate a support member utilized in an alternate embodiment of the invention and generally indicated by reference character 60. Member 60 includes generally oval shaped base 61. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the shape and dimension of base 61 and various other components described with reference to the various drawing Figs. herein can vary as desired.

Base 61 can be fabricated from any desired material, but presently preferably comprises a polymer which can be thermally welded or otherwise sealingly secured to circular polymer patches 73 and 74 and to polymer skirt 72. The material utilized to fabricate patches 73, 74 and skirt 72 likewise can vary as desired, but presently preferably comprises a polymer which can be thermally welded to base 61. Polymer materials normally do not have corrosion problems that often are associated with material made from metal.

Base 61 includes apertures 62, 65, and 70 extending therethrough. Aperture 63 has a larger diameter than aperture 62, is inset in base 61, and extends only partially therethrough a distance sufficient for the head 68A of bolt 68 to seat in aperture 63. Aperture 65 has a large diameter than aperture 65, is inset in base 61, and extends only partially therethrough a distance sufficient for the head 69A of bolt 69 to seat in aperture 66. Aperture 63 includes circular floor 64. Aperture 66 includes circular floor 67.

After bolt 68 is inserted in aperture 62 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, head 68A preferably is completely within aperture 63 such that the uppermost part of head 68A is flush with or below an imaginary plane extending through the upper surface 60A of base 61. After bolt 68 is inserted in aperture 62, is turned through cover 10 into wood or some other support structure located beneath cover 10, and achieves the position illustrated in FIG. 9, the circular periphery of polymer patch 73 is thermally sealingly welded to upper surface 60A of base 61. The seal preferably continuously extends around the periphery of patch 73 such that water or other material is prevented from moving between patch 73 and upper surface 60A. Bolt 68 is inserted in aperture 62 when support member 60 is being affixed to wood 76 (FIG. 9) or some other structure beneath or above the polymer cover on a landfill, or is being affixed to some other structure. In the event member 60 is affixed to the polymer cover by simply welding skirt 72 to the cover and by not utilizing bolts 68 and 69, the patch 73 can still, if desired, be sealingly welded to upper surface 60.

Similarly, after bolt 69 is inserted in aperture 65 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, head 69A preferably is completely within inset aperture 66 such that the uppermost part of head 69A is flush with or below an imaginary plane extending through the upper surface 60A of base 61. After bolt 69 is inserted in aperture 65, is turned through cover 10 into wood or some other support structure located beneath cover 10, and achieves the position illustrated in FIG. 9, the circular periphery of polymer patch 74 is thermally sealingly welded to upper surface 60A of base 61. The seal preferably continuously extends around the periphery of patch 74 such that water or other material is prevented from moving between patch 74 and upper surface 60A. Bolt 69 is inserted in aperture 65 when support member 60 is being affixed to wood 76 (FIG. 9) or some other structure beneath or above the polymer cover on a landfill, or is being affixed to some other structure. In the event member 60 is affixed to the polymer cover by simply welding skirt to the cover and by not utilizing bolts 68 and 69, the patch 74 can still, if desired, be sealingly welded to upper surface 60A.

After bolt 71 is inserted in aperture 70 to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, head 71A preferably is completely within inset aperture 73 such that the uppermost part of head 71A is flush with or below an imaginary plane extending through the bottom surface 60B of base 61. Aperture 73 includes circular floor 74. Head 71A is thermally sealingly welded or otherwise secured to floor 74.

After head 71A is thermally welded to floor 74, bottom surface 60B is thermally sealingly welded to thin, orthogonal, elongate polymer skirt 72. Skirt 72 is shaped and dimensioned to be larger than bottom surface 60B such that the periphery of skirt 72 extends outwardly away from base 61. This permits peripheral portions of skirt 72 to be thermally welded or otherwise adhered or secured to a polymer landfill cover 10 and to some other desired object. After skirt 72 is thermally welded to a polymer landfill cover to seal skirt 72 to the cover, the seal preferably extends continuously around the periphery of skirt 72 and, accordingly, around base 61 so that water or other material is prevented from getting between skirt 72 and the polymer cover 10. Thermal welding is a preferred fixation method in the practice of the invention because it does not require an additional construction material (i.e., adhesive), tends to have a longer life than adhesive, and produces a more reliable seal.

Recessing heads 68A, 69A, 71A is an important feature of the invention because it reduces the likelihood that heads 68A, 69A, 71A will puncture patch 73, patch 74, or skirt 72, respectively, and it facilitates securing patches 73 and 74 and skirt 72 to support member 60.

In use, the system as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 is utilized, except that each member 11 is replaced by a pair of members 60. A first bracket 15 is utilized in FIG. 2 to secure one end of rail 17 to upstanding fastener 71 of a first member 60 (after member 60 has been mounted on and secured in a desired position on cover 10). A second bracket 15 is utilized to secure one end of rail 16 to upstanding fastener 71 of a second member 60. A third bracket 15 is utilized to secure the other end of rail 17 to upwardly projecting fastener 17 of a third member 60. And, a fourth bracket 15 is utilized to secure the other end of rail 16 to upwardly projecting fastener 17 of a fourth member 60. The first, second, third and fourth members 60 are spaced apart from one another and are mounted on cover 10 such that after rail 16 is mounted on the first and third members 60, and rail 17 is mounted on the second and third members 60, rails 16 and 17 are—in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1—parallel. Each bracket 15 is secured to its associated fastener 71 (1) by placing bracket 15 over the upwardly extending distal end 71E (FIG. 7) of fastener 71 such that bracket 15 is generally in the orientation depicted in FIG. 2, such that fastener 71 extends upwardly through ovate opening 31 (FIG. 3), and such that horizontally oriented lower leg 15A (FIG. 2) rests against upper surface 60A (FIG. 7), and (2) by threading a nut on to the distal end 71E. Each nut is tightened on fastener 71 sufficiently to maintain bracket 15 on the fastener 71, but not so tight as to prevent limited sliding movement of the lower leg 15A of bracket 15 about fastener 71 over the upper surface 60A of member 50. As noted earlier, the bottom leg 15A of L-shaped anchor member 15 includes an elongate oval opening 31 (FIG. 3) formed therethrough so that once a nut is installed on the distal end of a fastener 71 to secure loosely the linkage of member 15 to fastener 71 and its associated member 60, opening 31 permits the bottom leg of member 15 to slide freely loosely back and forth about fastener 71 in directions indicated by arrows D (FIG. 2). The magnitude and extent of such sliding movement is limited and restricted by ovate opening 31. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, each nut is tightened such that the bottom leg 15A of member 15 is tightly secured to upper surface 60A of base 61 and cannot slide back and forth about fastener 71.

Eliminating members 11 and utilizing members 60 in the manner described above allows cover 10 to more freely contact and expand intermediate members 60 in the directions indicated by arrows D in FIG. 2.

Support member 200 and cover 222 each comprise a polymer material. The polymer used to fabricate member 200 has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is comparable to that of the material used to fabricate cover 222. In particular, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate support member 200 is within 15%, preferably within 10%, more preferably within 5%, and most preferably within 2.5% of the material used to fabricate cover 222; i.e., the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate support member 200 is, by way of example, no more than 15% greater or 15% less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate cover 222.

Many are not aware of the high frequency of world wide earthquake activity. For example, listed in Table I below are earthquakes which recently occurred during a week-long period of time in the Intermountain West Region of the United States. This region includes the states of Arizona, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana.

TABLE I Earthquakes in the Intermountain West Region in the United States of America from Mar. 11, 2015 to Mar. 18, 2015 DATE LOCAL-TIME LAT LON DEPTH MAG y/m/d h:m:s deg deg km LOCATION 0.7 2015/03/18 09:19:32 36.425 N 116.391 W 14.9 14 km (9 mi) N of Death Valley Junct., CA 2.1 2015/03/18 06:11:53 40.052 N 117.715 W 7.1 51 km (32 mi) NE of Dixie Valley, NV 1.6 2015/03/18 04:48:24 38.481 N 119.055 W 21.4 11 km (7 mi) SW of Wichman, NV 0.4 2015/03/18 02:39:49 37.369 N 116.058 W 2.8 49 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 0.2 2015/03/18 01:50:05 37.062 N 116.443 W 9.5 33 km (20 mi) ENE of Beatty, NV 0.9 2015/03/18 01:47:47 37.368 N 116.039 W 6.4 48 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 1.1 2015/03/18 01:45:11 37.364 N 116.045 W 5.2 48 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 0.9 2015/03/18 01:37:54 37.360 N 116.040 W 3.2 48 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 1.3 2015/03/18 01:36:29 37.353 N 116.037 W 6.8 49 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 1.2 2015/03/18 00:58:53 41.866 N 119.632 W 9.3 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.3 2015/03/17 22:58:59 38.446 N 116.455 W 0.0 29 km (18 mi) NNW of Warm Springs, NV 1.6 2015/03/17 16:41:08 37.414 N 116.083 W 0.6 48 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 1.8 2015/03/17 15:42:25 41.877 N 119.628 W 9.3 12 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.9 2015/03/17 13:31:06 41.853 N 119.633 W 8.7 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.2 2015/03/17 13:29:54 41.865 N 119.643 W 3.9 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.2 2015/03/17 11:41:18 41.860 N 119.617 W 5.1 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.7 2015/03/17 11:19:47 39.422 N 111.770 W 17.0 14 km (8 mi) WSW of Wales, UT 1.2 2015/03/17 06:25:12 46.648 N 112.053 W 2.7  1 km (1 mi) SW of Helena Valley West Central, MT 0.7 2015/03/17 06:19:31 39.392 N 119.812 W 4.9 11 km (7 mi) NNW of New Washoe City, NV 2.1 2015/03/17 06:00:55 46.233 N 112.043 W 9.3  6 km (4 mi) E of Boulder, MT 1.1 2015/03/17 05:58:11 46.190 N 112.102 W 15.5  5 km (3 mi) SSE of Boulder, MT 1.5 2015/03/17 05:44:04 36.928 N 113.070 W 22.1 11 km (7 mi) SW of Colorado City, AZ 0.2 2015/03/17 04:39:12 39.395 N 119.778 W 6.1 11 km (7 mi) N of New Washoe City, NV 0.8 2015/03/17 04:06:35 41.884 N 119.615 W 9.4 13 km (8 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.7 2015/03/17 03:36:28 39.276 N 110.397 W 11.3 30 km (18 mi) S of East Carbon, UT 1.4 2015/03/17 01:28:54 41.872 N 119.629 W 8.5 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.1 2015/03/16 23:40:47 41.852 N 119.635 W 8.5 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.9 2015/03/16 21:59:08 41.850 N 119.627 W 7.8 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.4 2015/03/16 19:22:02 39.028 N 118.357 W 3.4  3 km (2 mi) ENE of Rawhide, NV 1.0 2015/03/16 14:43:22 41.857 N 119.681 W 7.8  7 km (5 mi) NNE of Wimer Place, NV 2.2 2015/03/16 14:37:21 43.211 N 111.455 W 0.5 25 km (15 mi) SW of Irwin, ID 1.1 2015/03/16 14:33:24 41.850 N 119.631 W 7.7 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.4 2015/03/16 07:48:01 41.872 N 119.635 W 6.8 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 0.6 2015/03/16 05:14:38 37.402 N 116.073 W 4.7 48 km (30 mi) SW of Tempiute, NV 1.5 2015/03/16 04:00:05 41.877 N 119.624 W 7.0 12 km (8 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.7 2015/03/15 23:55:59 42.419 N 111.311 W 5.7  8 km (5 mi) SE of Georgetown, ID 1.6 2015/03/15 23:52:54 42.419 N 111.337 W 2.5  7 km (4 mi) SSE of Georgetown, ID 1.9 2015/03/15 23:37:01 42.413 N 111.323 W 3.1  8 km (5 mi) SSE of Georgetown, ID 1.9 2015/03/15 20:38:03 36.941 N 111.906 W 6.0 27 km (17 mi) SW of Big Water, UT 0.9 2015/03/15 18:10:33 36.927 N 113.075 W 26.3 11 km (7 mi) SW of Colorado City, AZ 0.6 2015/03/15 18:00:27 37.552 N 113.067 W 11.3 10 km (6 mi) E of Kanarraville, UT 0.3 2015/03/15 14:44:02 40.251 N 119.553 W 0.0 19 km (12 mi) NE of Zenobia, NV 1.3 2015/03/15 14:23:48 44.242 N 110.781 W 3.1 45 km (28 mi) ENE of Warm River, ID 1.2 2015/03/15 13:12:59 42.156 N 112.091 W 8.2  8 km (5 mi) WSW of Clifton, ID 0.2 2015/03/15 09:10:48 40.100 N 119.667 W 14.3  9 km (5 mi) SE of Zenobia, NV 1.6 2015/03/15 08:30:00 44.002 N 110.866 W 8.4 29 km (18 mi) NNE of Alta, WY 1.3 2015/03/15 05:58:44 36.212 N 115.236 W 7.4  2 km (1 mi) NNW of Las Vegas, NV 0.5 2015/03/15 02:19:32 37.273 N 116.324 W 3.8 56 km (35 mi) NE of Beatty, NV 1.3 2015/03/15 02:13:07 41.873 N 119.630 W 9.2 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 0.8 2015/03/15 02:09:32 37.146 N 115.299 W 1.6 27 km (17 mi) SSW of Alamo, NV 1.2 2015/03/15 00:59:16 41.852 N 119.640 W 8.1  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.7 2015/03/15 00:58:33 39.766 N 118.450 W 8.2 32 km (20 mi) SE of Trinity, NV 0.8 2015/03/14 21:39:30 39.530 N 119.186 W 13.1  8 km (5 mi) SSE of Fernley, NV 1.4 2015/03/14 20:23:00 41.867 N 119.622 W 8.9 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 0.1 2015/03/14 14:56:22 37.547 N 113.101 W 9.3  7 km (5 mi) E of Kanarraville, UT 1.8 2015/03/14 13:57:29 41.846 N 119.686 W 3.1  6 km (4 mi) NNE of Wimer Place, NV 1.2 2015/03/14 13:11:36 46.186 N 112.092 W 12.8  6 km (4 mi) SSE of Boulder, MT 0.4 2015/03/14 10:01:27 39.702 N 119.337 W 4.4  9 km (5 mi) NNW of Wadsworth, NV 0.4 2015/03/14 08:19:11 37.030 N 116.148 W 9.3 56 km (35 mi) ENE of Beatty, NV 1.7 2015/03/14 07:18:59 37.655 N 112.323 W 3.4 10 km (6 mi) E of Hatch, UT 1.0 2015/03/14 06:26:21 45.883 N 111.616 W 16.2  5 km (3 mi) W of Three Forks, MT 0.9 2015/03/14 05:04:14 37.349 N 117.533 W 9.0 18 km (11 mi) ESE of Sylvania, NV 0.2 2015/03/14 04:39:50 37.563 N 113.060 W 11.4 11 km (7 mi) ENE of Kanarraville, UT 0.3 2015/03/13 23:39:43 37.137 N 117.265 W 15.8 14 km (8 mi) NNE of Scottys Castle, CA 1.4 2015/03/13 22:33:57 41.901 N 119.645 W 3.7 13 km (8 mi) NNE of Wimer Place, NV 1.9 2015/03/13 20:00:42 44.556 N 110.368 W 4.3 60 km (37 mi) E of West Yellowstone, MT 0.2 2015/03/13 18:49:57 39.456 N 119.665 W 11.1 12 km (8 m) SSE of Sparks, NV 1.0 2015/03/13 16:16:16 41.853 N 119.637 W 7.0  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 2.0 2015/03/13 13:54:58 42.416 N 111.367 W −2.5  7 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 0.2 2015/03/13 12:59:01 37.141 N 117.255 W 14.0 14 km (9 m) NNE of Scottys Castle, CA 1.3 2015/03/13 12:33:20 40.011 N 118.693 W 0.0  9 km (5 mi) NNE of Trinity, NV 1.0 2015/03/13 11:34:57 37.163 N 117.248 W 10.6 15 km (10 mi) S of Tokop, NV 2.2 2015/03/13 11:16:08 42.417 N 111.354 W 4.2  7 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.8 2015/03/13 11:14:23 42.421 N 111.360 W −3.0  6 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.9 2015/03/13 11:09:22 42.414 N 111.370 W −2.7  7 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.9 2015/03/13 11:09:22 42.425 N 111.400 W −3.4  6 km (4 mi) SSW of Georgetown, ID 2.9 2015/03/13 11:04:13 42.421 N 111.372 W 0.1  6 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.9 2015/03/13 11:01:35 42.406 N 111.346 W 3.0  8 km (5 mi) SSE of Georgetown, ID 3.4 2015/03/13 10:55:27 42.412 N 111.354 W −2.7  7 km (5 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.2 2015/03/13 10:49:55 42.425 N 111.365 W −2.0  6 km (4 mi) S of Georgetown, ID 2.2 2015/03/13 10:06:42 37.166 N 115.499 W 3.6 37 km (23 m SW of Alamo, NV 1.6 2015/03/13 10:02:17 41.854 N 119.649 W 7.9  9 km (5 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.0 2015/03/13 10:01:49 41.852 N 119.646 W 7.8  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.6 2015/03/13 09:17:57 41.853 N 119.642 W 7.4  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 0.9 2015/03/13 07:46:54 37.298 N 112.848 W 20.0 18 km (11 mi) WNW of Orderville, UT 1.0 2015/03/13 07:35:58 44.543 N 112.760 W 14.7 17 km (10 mi) SW of Lima, MT 1.3 2015/03/13 04:56:42 37.562 N 112.632 W 18.7 19 km (12 mi) NW of Alton, UT 2.3 2015/03/13 03:31:16 37.577 N 113.633 W 4.3  7 km (5 mi) E of Enterprise, UT 1.8 2015/03/13 02:03:32 41.851 N 119.652 W 8.1  8 km (5 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 2.7 2015/03/13 02:00:45 41.857 N 119.644 W 7.3  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 2.4 2015/03/13 00:05:08 38.060 N 116.921 W 12.0 27 km (17 mi) E of Tonopah, NV 1.5 2015/03/13 00:01:25 38.037 N 116.885 W 1.9 30 km (19 mi) E of Tonopah, NV 1.8 2015/03/12 21:58:48 43.074 N 110.981 W 7.1  6 km (3 mi) NNE of Etna, WY 1.4 2015/03/12 21:26:05 38.045 N 112.345 W −1.9 15 km (10 mi) SSW of Circleville, UT 0.4 2015/03/12 20:04:21 38.160 N 112.618 W 6.0 13 km (8 mi) S of Beaver, UT 1.2 2015/03/12 18:59:08 46.267 N 112.072 W 7.2  5 km (3 mi) NE of Boulder, MT 1.1 2015/03/12 14:46:50 41.534 N 112.145 W 4.4  3 km (2 mi) WSW of Corinne, UT 2.8 2015/03/12 11:36:20 37.579 N 113.638 W 6.2  7 km (4 mi) E of Enterprise, UT 1.2 2015/03/12 11:27:04 41.851 N 119.638 W 7.3  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.6 2015/03/12 10:33:11 41.864 N 119.647 W 9.4 10 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.1 2015/03/12 10:09:45 37.832 N 115.866 W 0.0 28 km (18 mi) NW of Tempiute, NV 1.8 2015/03/12 09:51:42 38.329 N 111.082 W 3.5 30 km (18 mi) E of Torrey, UT 1.2 2015/03/12 09:40:37 41.850 N 119.641 W 7.7  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.5 2015/03/12 08:40:39 41.848 N 119.641 W 7.8  9 km (6 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 2.2 2015/03/12 08:29:39 37.156 N 117.258 W 13.5 16 km (10 mi) NNE of Scottys Castle, CA 1.4 2015/03/12 08:27:11 44.687 N 112.073 W 10.2 37 km (23 mi) NNE of Spencer, ID 1.2 2015/03/12 08:22:04 41.875 N 119.616 W 8.1 12 km (8 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 2.5 2015/03/12 08:11:49 44.436 N 114.129 W 11.1 11 km (7 mi) SE of Challis, ID 1.4 2015/03/12 06:17:43 38.065 N 112.358 W 1.8 14 km (9 mi) SSW of Circleville, UT 1.3 2015/03/12 05:18:25 41.915 N 119.564 W 5.2 19 km (12 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.1 2015/03/12 04:32:04 42.331 N 111.110 W −1.5 16 km (10 mi) E of Montpelier, ID 1.9 2015/03/12 01:31:30 44.446 N 114.131 W 12.7 10 km (6 mi) SE of Challis, ID 0.2 2015/03/12 00:31:29 37.147 N 117.258 W 12.4 15 km (9 mi) NNE of Scottys Castle, CA 0.7 2015/03/11 23:23:53 37.492 N 114.650 W 7.2 11 km (7 mi) E of Helene, NV 1.7 2015/03/11 23:11:52 41.882 N 119.631 W 10.9 12 km (8 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.7 2015/03/11 23:10:21 41.882 N 119.630 W 10.7 12 km (8 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.0 2015/03/11 21:36:37 37.880 N 116.147 W 0.0 30 km (19 mi) E of Silverbow, NV 1.6 2015/03/11 20:39:23 41.871 N 119.634 W 9.0 11 km (7 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 1.5 2015/03/11 20:38:27 36.902 N 112.300 W 22.1 20 km (13 mi) ESE of Fredonia, AZ 1.2 2015/03/11 19:56:54 38.579 N 115.310 W 0.0 23 km (14 mi) SE of Currant, NV 1.2 2015/03/11 19:02:17 44.640 N 113.035 W 2.5 26 km (16 mi) E of Leadore, ID 1.5 2015/03/11 18:26:45 41.855 N 119.656 W 9.0  8 km (5 mi) NE of Wimer Place, NV 0.2 2015/03/11 14:50:58 36.737 N 116.303 W 7.6 44 km (28 mi) ESE of Beatty, NV 0.5 2015/03/11 13:30:06 44.560 N 110.945 W 11.3 17 km (11 mi) SE of West Yellowstone, MT 2.4 2015/03/11 10:46:36 46.187 N 112.108 W 15.0  6 km (3 mi) S of Boulder, MT

Earthquakes alter the structure of landfills and other geological formations, and, in particular, produce irregular surface contours which introduce shear forces, torque forces, tensile forces, or other forces which can damage structures produced in accordance with the invention.

In FIG. 10, forces which tend to bend a support member 200 are indicated by arrows C1, C2 and by arrows A1 and A2. Tensile forces which stretch or pull apart a support member 200 are indicated by arrows B1, B2. Arrows D1 and D2 indicate forces which tend to rotate a support member 200. In addition to potentially damaging a support member 200, the forces illustrated in FIG. 10 can also damage a cover 220 (FIG. 13) on which a support member 200 is mounted, and can damage the support member 200-to-cover 220 adhesion or bond. Earthquakes can be especially damaging in this respect because ground upheavals and deformations which occur during an earthquake can produce during a relatively short period of time each of the forces illustrated in FIG. 10.

In FIG. 14, the normally level surface contour of a landfill 228 has been altered by an earthquake such that the force of gravity G1 produces a shear force component G2 acting on support member 200. The magnitude of shear force component G2 becomes more significant when member 200 is connected to and supports a solar panel structure or other structure which is mounted on and extends upwardly from member 200.

In order to strengthen the structural integrity of a support member 200-cover 220 pairing, one or more openings 201, 202, 203 are formed in and through a support member 200. Each opening 201 to 203 receives and conforms to an anchor unit 223 to 225. Each unit 223 to 225 need not be but preferably is tapered so that the units 223 to 225 tend to guide a support member 200 to a secure fixed position, i.e., when a support member 200 is being seated on units 223 to 225 and the support member 200 has not yet been completely lowered into contact with cover 220, there is play between member 200 and units 223 to 225 because the cross section area of the upper ends of units 223 to 225 are smaller than the cross sectional areas of the lower portions of the openings 201 to 203 which are receiving the upper ends. As member 200 continues to be lowered on to units 223 to 225 to a position at which the bottom 205 of member 200 contacts cover 220, such play is removed because the portion of each unit 223 to 225 in an associated opening 201 to 203 closely conforms to the shape and dimension of its associated opening 201 to 203. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the spacing between openings 201 to 203 is equivalent to the spacing between units 223 to 225 which are received by openings 201 to 203.

Although it need not be the case, it is presently preferred that anchors units 223 to 225 be of equal shape and dimension and be equally spaced from one another in the manner depicted in FIG. 12. The shape and dimension of each anchor unit 223 to 225 and the spacing between anchor unit pairs can vary as desired. Openings 201 to 203 and units 223 to 225 need not extend completely through member 200.

Substantially rigid support member 200 and pliable, flexible cover 220 each comprise a polymer material. The polymer used to fabricate member 200 has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is comparable to that of the material used to fabricate cover 220. In particular, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate support member 200 is within 15%, preferably within 10%, more preferably within 5%, and most preferably within 2.5% of the material used to fabricate cover 220; i.e., the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate support member 200 is, by way of example, no more than 15% greater or 15% less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material used to fabricate cover 220. Minimizing differential in coefficients of thermal expansion is believed critical in producing support member-to-cover bonds sufficient to withstand significant and rapid changes in the surface contour of a landfill or other structure on which cover 220 is mounted.

The polymer materials comprising support member 200 and cover 220 preferably are susceptible to thermal bonding or to being adhered to one another by adhesive or some other welding or adhesion methodology. Consequently, the polymer material utilized to fabricate each support member 200 preferably has an equivalent or similar composition to the polymer material utilized to fabricate cover 220 so that heating adjacent portions of member 200 and cover 220 will cause them to bond or so that a heated polymer adhesive material or other material applied around the periphery of member 200 to contact both member 200 and cover 220 will adhere to both member 200 and cover 220, or to member 200 and a member intermediate cover 220 and member 200.

The proportion of the total area of a section of cover 220 occupied by the anchor units 223, 224, 225 is important in the practice of the invention. The “population density”, i.e. the number of anchor units in a section of cover 220, is important in producing a support member 200-cover 220 bond sufficient to (1) resist shear and other forces which can occur if deformation of a landfill occurs due to earthquakes or other forces, and (2) minimize damage to either member 200 or cover 220. In FIG. 12, the area, A_(U), of the square base of a unit 223, 224, 225 is calculated by multiplying the lengths F1 and F2 of the side of the base. A four inch by four inch section of cover 220 has a total area, A_(T), equal to four inches×four inches=sixteen square inches. if in that four inch by four inch section of cover 220 there are 144 units 223, 224, 225, then the area of that section which is occupied by anchor units 223, 224, 225 is designated A_(UT) and equals 144 times A_(UT). Then, the percent, P, of the total area of the four inch by four inch square section which is occupied by the one hundred and forty forty anchor units is:

P=At/A _(UT)×100  [1]

If the area A_(U) of the base of each anchor unit is 0.015625 square inches, and there are one hundred and forty four anchors units in a four inch square section of cover 220, then the percent of the total area of the four inch square section which is occupied by the anchor units is 0.015625(144)/16=44.1%. In the practice of the invention, the percent of the total area of a section of cover 220 which is occupied by anchors units can vary as desired, but presently is at least 25%, preferably is at least 35%, more preferably is at least 45%, and most preferably is at least 55%. Having a sufficient quantity and expanse of anchor units is believed critical in the practice of the invention in order to produce a strong structure unit capable of withstanding forces generated when the surface contour of a landfill changes rapidly and significantly.

While the shape and dimension of an anchor unit 223 to 225 can vary as desired, in a preferably preferred embodiment of the invention, an anchor unit has one or more corners or edges and conforms to an opening in cover 220 which has corners. Utilizing an anchor unit which has edges is desirable because such an anchor unit better resists rotational forces than does a cylindrical or oval-shaped anchor unit. To better secure a member 200 to cover 220, adhesive can be applied intermediate anchor units 223 to 225 and openings 201 to 203 to secure units 223 to 225 to surfaces in openings 201 to 203.

While each anchor unit 223 to 225 need not extend completely through a support member 200 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 13, fully extending each anchor unit through a member 200 does, however, have the important advantage of increasing the size of the area at which anchor units 223 to 225 contact a support member 200.

In use, cover 220 is placed atop a landfill 228 or another geological structure or a building structure or another structure such that the bottom 222 (FIG. 12) of cover 220 contacts and generally conforms to landfill 228, or, contacts a structure which is intermediate cover 220 and landfill 228. Support members 200 are mounted on anchor units 223 to 225 which extend upwardly from the upper surface 221 (FIG. 12) of cover 220. The bottom surface 205 of each member 200 ordinarily contacts cover 220 or contacts another intermediate member which is placed between member 200 and cover 220, which intermediate member permits anchor units to extend upwardly into and conform to openings 201 to 203 formed in member 200. Members 200 ordinarily, but not necessarily, are spaced apart from one another on cover 220. Each member 200 is thermally welded or otherwise secured to cover 220 or to an intermediate member inserted between member 200 and cover 220. The method and apparatus used to secure a member 200 to cover 220 preferably, but not necessarily, does not penetrate cover 220. Maintaining the continuity of cover 220 is an important objective of one embodiment of the invention. After members 200 are secured to cover 220, any desired structure can be mounted on members 200 including, by way of example, the solar panel structure earlier described herein. 

Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those of skill in the art to understand and use it, and having described the presently preferred embodiments and best mode thereof, I claim:
 1. A method to mount a structure on a landfill and to compensate for changes in the surface contour in the landfill, including the steps of (a) providing a support structure to be mounted on a landfill; (b) providing a flexible polymer cover including a field of spaced apart, upwardly extending anchor units, said field of anchor units comprising at least 25% of the area covered by said cover; (c) providing a plurality of substantially rigid polymer support members each having (i) a first end, (ii) a second end, (iii) a middle section intermediate said first and second ends, (iv) a base, (v) a plurality of apertures formed in each of said support members, each of said apertures being shaped and dimensioned to receive and conform to one of said anchor units, said apertures having a spacing equivalent to the spacing of said field of anchor units, said support members being comprised of a polymer material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is within 15% of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polymer material comprising said cover; (d) installing said polymer cover on said upper surface of said landfill; (e) seating said support members on said anchor units on said cover at spaced apart locations on said cover; (f) thermally welding said support members to said cover; and, (g) mounting said support structure on said support members. 